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Sermons

This is a full list of sermons presented at UUCCSM since mid-1999. Links to sermon texts are included when made available by their authors. Audio recordings are also available for most sermons presented after September, 2007 by our staff ministers and others directly affiliated with our church (just click the speaker icon next to each sermon where it's available*). Audio from guest speakers is posted only when we have their permission to share it.

Hard copies of sermons by Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae are available in the church office. Contact office assistant Sibylla Nash at office@uusm.org if you have a request.

"Leaving Room for Hope: Sermons for Uncertain Times," a book of Minister Emerita Judith Meyer's sermons, is available here.

**Please Note: Video recordings are available for sermons with a small TV icon showing at the bottom of the sermon listing. Just click the icon to watch the service.**

October 9, 2005 - 5:00pm
Speaking Our Truth, Sharing Ourselves
Judy Chiasson, guest speaker

In honor of National Coming Out Day, Judy Chiasson, mother, teacher, and director of Los Angeles Unified School District?s (LAUSD's) Project 10, will speak on the invisibility of sexual orientation and the vulnerability of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth. She will explore the ways each of us can help create an environment where our gay and lesbian youth will blossom and grow. Judy Chiasson taught special education for 20 years, working with severely abused children. Recently she became the director of Project 10, LAUSD's program for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. As the Project 10 Specialist, she ensures that all 1,055 schools are safe and welcoming for the 800,000 students and their families who are served by LAUSD. She is finishing a doctoral program at Claremont Graduate University on the efficacy of LGBT diversity training and is blessed with two daughters who are entering college and planning their futures. Music Sara Andon, flute

October 2, 2005 - 5:00pm
Called to Respond
The Rev. James E. Grant, speaker

Rev. Grant will continue discussing the Sources of the Living Tradition, dealing this Sunday with Jewish and Christian teachings which "call us to respond...by loving our neighbors as ourselves." Music Rebecca Harris, singer/songwriter
September 25, 2005 - 5:00pm
Wisdom from the World's Religions
The Rev. James E. Grant, Speaker

Our Unitarian Universalist river is made up of many sources. One significant source, first introduced to Unitarians by Emerson and other Transcendentalists, is appreciation for and enrichment by other world religions.
September 18, 2005 - 5:00pm
Challenged and Inspired
The Rev. James E. Grant, Speaker

The second Source of the Living Tradition calls to mind the words and deeds of prophetic people who challenge us to words and deeds of justice and compassion.
September 11, 2005 - 5:00pm
Transcendent Mystery and Wonder
The Rev. James E. Grant, Speaker

One of our UU Principles encourages each individual to a free and responsible search for truth." To encourage and enable that search, the Principles also include Sources of the Living Tradition." The first source, dealing with mystery and wonder," may be applicable on this anniversary of the other September 11.
September 4, 2005 - 5:00pm
Bread and Roses A Celebration of Labor Day"
Ross Altman, Speaker

Intergenerational Service Los Angeles troubadour Ross Altman tells stories and sings songs from labor history, including the IWW Centennial, Joe Hill and The Rebel Girl, Woody Guthrie and the Dust Bowl refugees and the United Farm Workers. Join us for a morning of continuity and solidarity. Children and adults are invited to join us for this intergenerational celebration.

August 28, 2005 - 5:00pm
Leaving Room for Hope
The Rev. Judith Meyer, speaker

"Leaving Room for Hope" is the working title of my sabbatical project, a book of my sermons. As I get started, I?ll share some of the themes and questions this task has already raised.
August 21, 2005 - 5:00pm
Live Like a UU
The Rev. Judith Meyer, speaker

What demands does our Unitarian Universalist faith place on us? What does it mean to live like a UU? Not what you might think.
August 14, 2005 - 5:00pm
Mental Health One Step at a Time
Tod Lipka, guest speaker

Mental illness impacts one in four families in our community. At least one-third of the homeless population has a mental illness. Untreated, mental illness can lead to a life of isolation and stigma. Tod Lipka is CEO of Step Up on Second, a nationally recognized rehabilitation program that assists individuals with mental illness. Step Up?s programs in Santa Monica help people achieve greater integration into our community and find greater meaning and purpose.

August 7, 2005 - 5:00pm
Dealing with Life's Irrationalities
The Rev. Jim Grant, guest speaker

Jim Grant notes, "Many events of life are irrational, without meaning. However, we can give meaning to those events. Someone wrote, 'What happens to us is not so important as what we do with what happens to us.' We can help one another find meaning and hope even in the face of life's irrationalities." Jim Grant is a Unitarian Universalist and former American Baptist minister from San Diego. He will be serving as our weekend minister this fall while Judith is on sabbatical.